Bird deterrent

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for deterring birds from landing on an object. In various embodiments, a bird deterrent can include a number of support members and a net. The net can be suspended over an object. In various embodiments, a net can be suspended over an object by coupling the net to a number of support members that are associated with the object.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/270,757 filed Jul. 13, 2009, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In many environments, birds can be a nuisance by preventing the use of an area by a person due to the bird's mere presence, loud calls, and/or droppings left behind. There are many bird deterrent devices and methods that can limit birds from entering an area. For example, chemicals, sounds, scares, electrocution, and physical barriers can be used as bird deterrents.

In recreational aquatic environments, birds can be a nuisance by landing and roosting on shoreline objects, such as boat lifts. Birds can reduce the enjoyment of a boat and dock for a person by their presence on the boat lift and by leaving excrement on the boat lift that is harmful to the boat lift canopy material and aesthetically unappealing. There can be a great deal of cost and time involved with cleaning excrement left by birds. Also, replacing objects, such as boat canopy covers, that are ruined by birds is undesirable and costly.

Many bird deterrents create an aesthetically unappealing environment for a person. Bird deterrents can be unsightly, making the use of such bird deterrent as undesirable as the birds themselves. Some bird deterrents can include an object that is shaped like a predator to scare birds away, but these bird deterrents can reduce the aesthetic appeal of a recreational environment, such as a dock and boat lift.

Various bird deterrents can be hazardous or dangerous to the environment and/or humans. The use of chemicals as a bird deterrent can be undesirable because of the harmful effects they can have on the environment. Also, some bird deterrents, such as electrocution devices, can be dangerous to humans, especially children, if they come into contact with the devices.

Some bird deterrents can include an apparatus that can be difficult to assemble and install on the object. Such bird deterrents can also reduce the functionality and effectiveness of the object on which they are installed due to the size and design. For example, attaching a physical barrier (e.g., a bird deterrent) to an object can limit the useful area of the object (e.g., an area of object that is covered by the physical barrier).

Many bird deterrents can only be effective for limited periods of time. For example, a bird deterrent that includes a predator shaped object are ineffective after the birds have become accustomed to them and a wind-driven bird deterrents is only effective when it windy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a bird deterrent coupled to a boat lift according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrate a support member of a bird deterrent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a support member of a bird deterrent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a bird deterrent coupled to a canopy of a boat lift according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a bird deterrent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for deterring birds from landing on an object. In various embodiments, a bird deterrent can include a number of support members and a net. The net can be suspended over an object. In various embodiments, a net can be suspended over an object by coupling the net to a number of support members that are associated with the object.

In one or more embodiments, the bird deterrent can be used near bodies of water to prevent birds from landing and/or roosting on objects near the shoreline. For example, the bird deterrent can be used with a boat lift. In one or more embodiments, a number of support members can be coupled to the load bearing members of a boat lift. For example, a boat lift can include one load bearing member in and/or near each corner of the boat lift. A support member can be positioned so that one end of the support member terminates at a particular height above the canopy of the boat lift. A net and/or series of nets can be coupled to the support members to suspend the net and/or series of nets at a height above the canopy to prevent a bird from landing directly on the canopy.

In various embodiments, the bird deterrent can make landing and roosting on an object difficult and/or impossible for a bird by suspending a net above an object that limits the movement of a bird's wings, so once a bird lands it is difficult for the bird to move their wings and start flying again. Also, the net of the bird deterrent can limit the area on the object where a bird can land and/or roost with its feet.

In one or more embodiments, a bird deterrent can include a number of support members coupled to an object. The support members can be coupled to a number of support member brackets. The number of support member brackets can be coupled to the object. The support members can be removably coupled to the support member brackets. The support member brackets can be removably coupled to the object.

In various embodiments, the net can be removably coupled to the support members. The support members can suspend the net above the object when the net is coupled to the support members. The net can be coupled to the support members using a number of coupling methods. For example, a loop, having elastic properties, can be coupled to the net and also coupled to the support member, wherein the support member can include a receiving mechanism having rigid properties and an opening to receive the loop.

In one or more embodiments, a bird deterrent can in include a net that is coupled to an object and suspended above the object with the support of one or more spacers between the net and the object. In one or more embodiments, the net can be coupled to the object using a number of coupling methods. For example, a loop, having elastic properties, can be coupled to the net and also coupled to the object, wherein the object can include receiving mechanism having rigid properties and an opening to receive the loop. The receiving mechanism can be coupled to and placed in relation to the surface of the object by gluing and/or sewing the receiving mechanism in the object when the object is made of fabric.

In the following detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how one or more embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by the use of similar digits. For example, 108 may reference element “08” in FIG. 1A, and a similar element may be referenced as 208 in FIG. 2. As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate various embodiments of the present invention and are not to be used in a limiting sense.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a bird deterrent coupled to a boat lift according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A provides a perspective view of a bird deterrent coupled to a boat lift according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B provides a side view of a bird deterrent coupled to a boat lift according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1C provides a top view of a bird deterrent coupled to a boat lift according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIGS. 1A-1C, a bird deterrent that includes a net 102 and support members 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, and 108-4 is shown coupled to a boat lift. The boat lift in FIG. 1A includes load bearing members 116-1 and 116-3 (some load bearing members are not shown in FIG. 1A). The load bearing members 116-1 and 116-3 can provide support to the boat lift and to a boat when a boat is loaded in the boat lift. In FIG. 1A, a canopy 106 is coupled to the boat lift. The canopy 106 can include a frame (not shown) coupled to the load bearing members 116-1 and 116-3 of the boat lift to place the canopy 106 over the boat lift and define the shape of the canopy 106. Embodiments of the present disclosure do not require a canopy or canopy frame and are not limited to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1C.

In one or more embodiments, the support members 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, and 108-4 of the bird deterrent can include support member brackets 114-1 and 114-3. In various embodiments, the bird deterrent can include a number of support members that can be coupled to a number of support member brackets. Also, various embodiments can include a number of support member brackets that can be coupled to a number of load bearing members of a boat lift. The support member brackets 114-1 and 114-3 can be configured to receive the support members 108-1 and 108-3 and couple the support member brackets 114-1 and 114-3 to the support members 108-1 and 108-3.

In various embodiments, the support member brackets 114-1 and 114-3 can be coupled to the load bearing members 116-1 and 116-3. The support member brackets can be coupled to the load bearing members and left on the load bearing members indefinitely, so as to keep the support member brackets coupled to the load bearing members when the bird deterrent is both in use and not in use. In such embodiments, the support member brackets can be permanently installed on the load bearing members so they do not have to be removed after each boating season and are ready for receiving the support members of the bird deterrent when the next boating season begins.

In one or more embodiments, the support members 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, and 108-4 can include a first adjustment mechanism 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 and 110-4 and a second adjustment mechanism 112-1, 112-2, 112-3, and 112-4. The first and second adjustment mechanisms on the support members can be used to vary the length of the support members. In various embodiments, the support members can includes a number of sections that fit concentrically inside one another. The adjustment mechanisms can allow the number of sections to move in relation to each other and temporarily fix the sections in a position.

In various embodiments, the net 102 can include coupling mechanisms 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, and 104-4. The coupling mechanisms 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, and 104-4 can be used to couple the net 102 to the support members 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, and 108-4. The coupling mechanism can include an elastic loop that is coupled to the net. The elastic loops can be placed in a receiving mechanism on the support members that includes an opening to receive the elastic loop and couple the coupling mechanism to the support member. The coupling mechanism of the net and the receiving mechanism of the support members can provide a coupling technique that is quick, easy, and removable.

In one or more embodiments, a bird deterrent can be used by coupling the support member brackets to the load bearing members of a boat lift. The net can be coupled to a number of support members using a coupling mechanism of the net and a receiving mechanism of the support members. One or more of the support members can be coupled to one or more support member brackets and then the net can be place over an object, such as a boat lift canopy. The remaining support members can then be placed in the remaining support member brackets to position the net above the object.

FIG. 2 illustrates a support member of a bird deterrent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 2, the support member 208 is coupled to a support member bracket 214. The support member bracket 214 is coupled to a load bearing member 216 of a boat lift. The support member 208 can include a number of sections that are at an obtuse angle to the load bearing member 216 and a number of sections that are approximately perpendicular to the load bearing member 216. The sections that are at an obtuse angle to the load bearing member can include an adjustment mechanism 210. The adjustment mechanism 210 can be used to vary the functional length of those sections of the support member. The adjustment mechanism 210 can vary the vertical and horizontal position of an end of the support member. The sections that are approximately perpendicular to the load bearing member can include an adjustment mechanism 212. The adjustment mechanism 212 can be used to vary the functional length of those sections of the support member. The adjustment mechanism 210 can vary the horizontal position of an end of the support member. The adjustment mechanisms 210 and 212 can be used to position the support member in relation to the object the bird deterrent is being place over.

FIG. 3 illustrates a support member of a bird deterrent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3, the support member 308 is coupled to a support member bracket 314. The support member bracket 314 is coupled to a load bearing member 316 of a boat lift. The support member 308 can include a number of sections that are approximately parallel to the load bearing member 316 and a number of sections that are approximately perpendicular and/or collinear with the load bearing member 316. The sections that are approximately parallel to the load bearing member can include an adjustment mechanism 310. The adjustment mechanism 310 can be used to vary the functional length of those sections of the support member. The adjustment mechanism 310 can vary the vertical position of the support member. The sections that are approximately perpendicular to the load bearing member can include a first adjustment mechanism 311 and second adjustment mechanism 313. The adjustment mechanisms 311 and 313 can be used to vary the functional length of those sections of the support member. The adjustment mechanisms 311 and 313 can vary the horizontal position of the ends of the support member. The adjustment mechanisms 310, 311, and 313 can be used to position the support member in relation to the object the bird deterrent is being placed over.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a bird deterrent coupled to a canopy of a boat lift according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A provides a perspective view of a bird deterrent coupled to a boat lift according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B provides a side view of a bird deterrent coupled to a boat lift according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4C provides a top view of a bird deterrent coupled to a boat lift according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, a bird deterrent includes a net 402 and receiving mechanisms 422-1, 422-2, 422-3, and 422-4. The receiving mechanisms 422-1, 422-2, 422-3, and 422-4 can be coupled to a canopy 406 of a boat lift. The boat lift can include load bearing members 416-1, 416-2, 416-3, and 416-4 and the canopy 406 can include a frame (not shown) that can be coupled to the load bearing members 416-1, 416-2, 416-3, and 416-4.

In various embodiments, receiving mechanisms 422-1, 422-2, 422-3, and 422-4 can include a plate and a loop, where the plate is placed on the underside of the canopy and the loop is placed through an opening, such as a grommet, in the canopy, so as to be positioned relative to the outside of the canopy. The plate can be coupled to the canopy by a number of coupling methods, such as adhesive and/or thread, among other coupling methods.

In one or more embodiments, the net 402 can be coupled to receiving mechanisms 422-1, 422-2, 422-3, and 422-4. The net 402 can include coupling mechanisms 420-1, 420-2, 420-3, and 420-4 that can be coupled to the receiving mechanisms 422-1, 422-2, 422-3, and 422-4. The coupling mechanisms 420-1, 420-2, 420-3, and 420-4 can include an elastic loop that is coupled to the net 402. The elastic loops can be placed in the receiving mechanisms to receiving mechanisms 422-1, 422-2, 422-3, and 422-4 which include an opening to receive the elastic loop and couple the coupling mechanisms of the net to the canopy. The coupling mechanism of the net and the receiving mechanisms can provide a coupling technique that is quick, easy, and removable.

In some embodiments, spacers 418-1, 418-2, 418-3, 418-4, 418-5, and 418-6 can be placed between the net 402 and the canopy 406. Spacers 418-1, 418-2, 418-3, 418-4, 418-5, and 418-6 can elevate and suspend the net off of the surface of the canopy, so as to make it difficult for birds to land and/or roost on the surface of the canopy. Also, spacers 418-1, 418-2, 418-3, 418-4, 418-5, and 418-6 can be coupled to the canopy so that the spacers do not fall off of the canopy when under force, such as wind. In various embodiments, a number of spacers can be used in a number of configurations such that the number of spacers and configurations are sufficient to adequately suspend the net above the canopy.

In various embodiments, a bird deterrent that includes a net and a number of support members can be installed over an object without the aid of a ladder. The bird deterrent can also easily be positioned in relation to the object by removably coupling the support members to a support member bracket and by vary the functional length of the support members with an adjustment mechanism on the support member. In such embodiments, the bird deterrent can be installed and uninstalled each boating season when used over a boat lift.

In one or more embodiments, a bird deterrent can be installed indefinitely to an object. The bird deterrent can include a net and a number of receiving mechanisms that are coupled to the object. For instance, a number of receiving mechanisms can be coupled to a canopy of a boat lift. A net can be coupled to the receiving mechanisms with coupling mechanisms of the net. The net can be elevated above the surface of the canopy. Each of these elements can be remain installed on the canopy when the canopy is installed and uninstalled on the boat lift to allow the bird deterrent to be installed only once on the canopy. In such embodiments, the bird deterrent need only be installed on the canopy once and does not require any additional work when the canopy is installed and removed from the boat lift at the beginning and end of the boating season. That is, any future removal or installation of the canopy serves as a removal or installation of the bird deterrent.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a bird deterrent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5A provides a perspective view of a bird deterrent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 5B provides a side view of a bird deterrent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5C provides a top view of a bird deterrent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIGS. 5A-5C, a bird deterrent that includes support members 530-1 and 530-3 is shown coupled to a boat lift. In various embodiments, the bird deterrent can be coupled to any object to keep birds from landing and/or roosting on and/or near the object. The boat lift in FIG. 5A includes load bearing members 516-1 and 516-3 (some load bearing members are not shown in FIG. 1A). The load bearing members 516-1 and 516-3 can provide support to the boat lift and to a boat when a boat is loaded in the boat lift. In FIG. 5A, a canopy 506 is coupled to the boat lift. The canopy 506 can include a frame (not shown) coupled to the load bearing members 516-1 and 516-3 of the boat lift to place the canopy 506 over the boat lift and define the shape of the canopy 506. Embodiments of the present disclosure do not require a canopy or canopy frame and are not limited to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5C.

In one or more embodiments, the support members 530-1 and 530-3 of the bird deterrent can include support member brackets. In various embodiments, the bird deterrent can include a number of support members that can be coupled to a number of support member brackets. Also, various embodiments can include a number of support member brackets that can be coupled to a number of load bearing members of a boat lift. The support member brackets can be configured to receive the support members 530-1 and 530-3 and couple the support member brackets to the support members 530-1 and 530-3.

In various embodiments, support member brackets can be coupled to the load bearing members 516-1 and 516-3. The support member brackets can be coupled to the load bearing members and left on the load bearing members indefinitely, so as to keep the support member brackets coupled to the load bearing members when the bird deterrent is both in use and not in use. In such embodiments, the support member brackets can be permanently installed on the load bearing members so they do not have to be removed after each boating season and are ready for receiving the support members of the bird deterrent when the next boating season begins.

In one or more embodiments, the support members 530-1 and 530-3 can include an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism on the support members can be used to vary the length of the support members. In various embodiments, the support members can includes a number of sections that fit concentrically inside one another. The adjustment mechanisms can allow the number of sections to move in relation to each other and temporarily fix the sections in a position, making the functional length of the support members variable.

In various embodiments, the bird deterrent can include elongate members 532-1 and 532-3 that are coupled to support members 530-1 and 530-3, respectively. Elongate members 532-1 and 532-3 can be approximately perpendicular to the support members 530-1 and 530-3 and positioned above the canopy 506 of the boat lift. In various embodiments, elongate members can be any length. In one or more embodiments, elongate members can be approximately 10 feet in length. It can be desirable for the elongate members to extend to the perimeter of the area where birds are not desired.

In various embodiments, the support members 530-1 and 530-3 can be coupled to rotation assemblies 534-1 and 534-3 and the rotation assemblies 534-1 and 534-3 can be coupled to load bearing members 516-1 and 516-3. Rotation assemblies 534-1 and 534-3 can include hardware and/or a motor to rotate the support members 530-1 and 530-3 around their longitudinal axis. In FIGS. 5A-5C, solar panels 536-1 and 536-3 are coupled to the rotation assemblies to provide power to charge a battery that powers the motor to rotate the rotation assemblies. In various embodiments, a solar charged battery can be used to power the motor, among other power sources. The rotating support members 530-1 and 530-3 can, in turn, cause the elongate members 532-1 and 532-3, coupled to support members 530-1 and 530-3, to rotate above the canopy. The rotating elongate members 532-1 and 532-3 can sweep over the canopy 506 at various times to make landing and/or roosting on the canopy 506 difficult and/or undesirable for a bird. In various embodiments, the rotating assemblies 534-1 and 534-3 can be configured to rotate in predetermined time increments, such as every minute or every 5 minutes, for example. In various embodiments, the rotating assemblies 534-1 and 534-3 can include sensors that can initiate rotation upon sensing a bird in an undesired area.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled with” another element, it can be directly on, connected, or coupled with the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled with” another element, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements and that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that an arrangement calculated to achieve the same techniques can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Combination of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the invention includes other applications in which the above structures and methods can be used. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

It is to be understood that the above description has been made in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure includes other applications in which the above structures and methods are used. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.

Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 

1. A bird deterrent, comprising: a number of support member brackets; wherein the number of support member brackets are coupled to an object; a number of support members; wherein the number of support members are removably coupled to the number of support member brackets; and a net, wherein the net is removably coupled to the number of support members and the net is suspended over the object.
 2. The bird deterrent of claim 1, wherein the number of support members are removably coupled to the object via the number of support member brackets.
 3. The bird deterrent of claim 1, wherein the object is a boat lift that includes a canopy.
 4. The bird deterrent of claim 1, wherein the net is made of fishing line.
 5. The bird deterrent of claim 1, wherein the net is coupled to the number of support members via a number of coupling mechanisms.
 6. The bird deterrent of claim 1, wherein each of the number of support member brackets are removably coupled to one of the number of support members and the number of support member brackets can be coupled to the number of support members at any location on the number of support members.
 7. The bird deterrent of claim 5, wherein the support member brackets are coupled at a location on the support member brackets to suspend the net over the object.
 8. The bird deterrent of claim 5, wherein the support member brackets are coupled to the object via a number of load bearing members.
 9. The bird deterrent of claim 1, wherein a number of spacers are placed on the object to suspend the net over the object.
 10. A method for deterring birds, comprising: coupling a net to a first support member, a second support member, a third support members, and a fourth support member to suspend the net over an object; coupling the first support member to a first support member bracket, coupling the second support member to a second support member bracket, coupling the third support member to a third support member bracket, and coupling the fourth support member to a fourth support member bracket; and coupling the first support member bracket to a first load bearing member of the object, coupling the second support member bracket to a second load bearing member of the object, coupling the third support member bracket to a third load bearing member of the object, and coupling the fourth support member bracket to a fourth load bearing member of the object.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method includes coupling a number of spacers to a canopy of the object to suspend the net over the canopy.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein coupling the net to the first, the second, the third, and the fourth support member to suspend the net over the object includes using removable coupling mechanisms.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein coupling the first support member to the first support member bracket, coupling the second support member to the second support member bracket, coupling the third support member to the third support member bracket, and coupling the fourth support member to the fourth support member bracket occurs when installing the bird deterrent at the start of a boating season.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the method includes decoupling the first support member from the first support member bracket, decoupling the second support member from the second support member bracket, decoupling the third support member from the third support member bracket, and decoupling the fourth support member from the fourth support member bracket when uninstalling the bird deterrent at the end of a boating season.
 15. A bird deterrent system, comprising: a boat lift, wherein the boat lift includes a number of load bearing members and a canopy; a net coupled to a number of support members; and a number of support member brackets coupled to the number of the support members; wherein the number of support member brackets are coupled to the number of load bearing members and wherein the net is suspended above the boat lift.
 16. The bird deterrent system of claim 15, wherein the net is coupled the number of support members via a number of elongate members and coupling mechanisms.
 17. The bird deterrent system of claim 15, wherein the number of support members include a number of elongate members and a number of adjustment mechanisms.
 18. The bird deterrent system of claim 15, wherein the number of support member brackets are permanently coupled to the number of load bearing members and wherein the number of support member brackets are releasably coupled to the number of the support members.
 19. The bird deterrent system of claim 18, wherein the number of support members are temporarily decoupled and removed from the number of support member brackets when the bird deterrent system is not needed to deter birds from the boat lift.
 20. The bird deterrent system of claim 15, wherein the net is suspended above the boat lift over the surface area of the canopy. 